Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and DUIs in Illinois

Zero tolerance

If you are under 21 in Illinois, you cannot drive with any amount of alcohol in your system. This law is called "zero tolerance." In other words, if you are 19 years old and get behind the wheel after just one drink, you could lose your driving privileges. Zero tolerance, as the name suggests, means that even a BAC of .01 can result in license suspension.

Less than .08 BAC

If you are caught driving with a BAC of less than .08, but more than .05, you can still be charged with driving under the influence. In these cases, it depends on your actions and the discretion of the police officer who pulled you over.

BAC of .08 and above

Again, the general rule is that driving with a BAC of .08 or higher results in DUI charges. Your license will be suspended, and you face losing your license for a year as well as jail time and fines. The penalties increase for subsequent offenses. The penalties are greater if you are under 21; you will lose your license for two years.

Commercial licenses

If you hold a commercial license, your BAC cannot be above .04. This applies to truck drivers, for example. If you are a school bus driver, there is zero tolerance while driving a bus.

Enhanced penalties

If you are caught driving with an extremely high BAC, such as .20, you face enhanced penalties. Driving with a BAC above the legal limit when you have a child in the car also can result in enhanced penalties, such as longer jail time and higher fines.

Additional resources provided by the author

If you have been charged with a DUI, consult with a defense attorney before doing anything else. Don't rely on the advice of friends and family. An experienced attorney is in the best position to protect your rights and your permanent record. If you have more questions or need a lawyer recommendation in Illinois, give us a call. It's free and confidential.